DS-160 Chinese Telecode Lookup
Enter a Chinese name to get the four-digit telecode and uppercase pinyin for the surname and given name, ready to paste into the DS-160 Telecode fields.
The lookup runs in your browser; the name is never sent to a server.
Put a compound surname (欧阳, 司马) entirely in the surname box; other names used can be looked up separately.
What is a Chinese telecode
Chinese telecodes (Chinese Commercial Code / Telegraph Code) are four-digit numbers assigned to each character for telegraphy. The DS-160 uses them to pin down a Chinese name unambiguously. Results follow the mainland Standard Telegraph Code book, with the Hong Kong / Taiwan table filling in traditional characters; the two agree on almost every common character.
How to write the name in pinyin on the DS-160
- •All uppercase, surname and given name each written as one word with no spaces (ZHANG / WEI)
- •Copy the passport exactly, including any apostrophe or space it prints
- •Surname characters with several readings use the surname reading (单→SHAN, 解→XIE, 仇→QIU)
- •A one-character given name is just that syllable (WEI); with no given name, enter FNU
FAQ
Can I answer No to the telecode question?
If you have a Chinese name you should answer Yes and fill it in. The telecode is how the consulate verifies your Chinese name, so it only helps.
Are the codes the same for traditional and simplified characters?
For almost all common characters yes (张/張 are both 1728). A few simplified characters have their own code in the mainland book; this tool prefers the mainland code, and applicants from Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan can enter traditional characters directly.
Do I put spaces between the codes?
Yes. Each character is four digits and multiple characters are separated by a single space, e.g. 1728 0251.
How do I enter a compound surname?
Put the whole compound surname in the surname box (欧阳 → OUYANG, telecode 2962 7122); the given name is unchanged.
The pinyin here differs from my passport - which do I use?
The passport. DS-160 names must match the passport machine-readable zone; the pinyin here is only a reference.
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Upload or take a photo and get a 2x2 inch visa photo cropped by the official formula on a plain white background, matching DS-160 upload specs.
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Turn a Chinese address into DS-160 fields (Street / City / State / Postal) with the 40-character limit checked and abbreviated automatically.
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The telecode table is compiled from the public Standard Telegraph Code book. Check the result against your passport and household registration before filling in the form.